Volume 1, Number 6 - Winter 1962
Sixty-Five Years Ago
Names From the Past
Winter 1897-1898
Douglas County Herald, Ava, Mo.
Dec. 3, 1897 - At the Good Roads State Convention, held in St. Louis last week, Senator A. Burkhead of Ava was to represent this distirct in the state organization.
The attention of silverites is respectfully called to the fact that there are whispered rumors from Mexico that its Statesmen and financiers are seriously contemplating the adoption of the gold standard.
Those newspapers Which were talking of "defeating Mark Hanna" for the Senate have suspended that kind of talk since the sentiment of the country has been heard on that proposition.
NEW FREE LOVE COLONY
Fifteen families left Javvile, Benton county, in wagons to join "Rev." L. S. Garrett, the free love advocate who has located a "heaven" at Willow Springs, Howell county.
Last summer, Rev. Garrett established a free love community at Javvile. The conduct of himself and the female members became so obnoxious that one night in August 300 men visited the quarters of the Rev. Garrett, but he escaped punishment by flight.
We clip the above from the St. Louis Chronicle, and would state that the fifteen families alluded to have not arrived here, but we learn that Rev. Garrett is arranging for a colony of what he terms "Socialists", some sixteen miles west of here in The wilds of Douglas county, but Whether he intends to locate a "heaven" and advocate any peculiar doctrine, we are unable to say. If the above clipping is a type of their intended colony, they will find the Ozarks no better suited to their plans than was Benton county. (Willow Springs Republican).
We have heard nothing about any such outfit locating in the east end of Douglas county. If they do, they will have to carry themselves mighty straight or the good people of the "wilds of Douglas" will make them move on to more congenial climes.
Since the above was put in type, we learn that this colony or "heaven" or whatever it is called has actually located in the east end of the county about 15 miles southwest of Willow Springs, as our informant put it. The citizens of this county are always ready to welcome deserving settlers cordially, but this batch will not be allowed unless they conduct themselves differently from what they did in Benton and Mercer counties. The people of Benton county became so indignant at their free love conduct that about 300 men jumped them at Javvile and destroyed their printing office and made them leave that county. Garrett only saved him self from a coat of tar and feathers by flight. He was also run out of Miller county for preaching and practicing his free love doctrines. A private letter from West Plains also says "keep your eyes on that colony, I am informed that Thomas is fostering and nurturing it, with a view to getting the votes of its male members in his scheme for re-election"
We hope this is not true, as we would regret very much to know that even a Populist leader and office holder would foster such an outfit as they are said to be.
Dec. 31, 1897-Those who intend to keep any smoked hams and shoulders for next summer's use should use salt for packing. It is more cleanly and better in every particular than ashes or other articles commonly used. All that is necessary is to so place the meat that the pieces will not touch each other, covering well the top pieces. The salt will not be wasted, as it may be used over again or taken to make brine. Hams packed in this way will not be musty and dirty on the outside nor will they take any more salt than had been absorbed before packing.
A. W. Poole says this southwest country is the best tobacco section in the world. The crop will pay, he says, twice as well as any thing else. The product sells at 5 to 12 cents a pound, according to quality. The plant has been tested and there is no doubt of its success. There is one thing we suggest-that it would be well for orchardists to grow some tobacco for use on their trees. It is the best remedy used as powder for the woolly aphis. This is a matter of importance and should be considered seriously.
Jan. 20, 1898-It may be of interest to some to know why there happens to be a projection southward at the southeast corner of our state in place of the line running straight east to the Mississippi river. When the boundary line was fixed in 1820, there lived just south of the line a gentleman of prominence by the name of John Walker, who did not like the idea of being left out of the new state and of becoming a citizen of the territory of Arkansas. Through his influence with the commissioners, he prevaled on them to deflect the boundary line so as to take him into the state. Thus was added the territory embracing the county of Pemiscot, nearly all of Dunklin and part of New Madrid.
The Republican, Forsyth, Mo.
Dec. 30, 1897-By direction of the President, the press is informed of the decision of the government to aid in sending relief for the suffering people of the island of Cuba. Money, provisions, clothing, and medicine are a prime necessity. It was announced that the Spanish Government of Cuba would cooperate in any charitable effort of relief. There has been criticism of delay in having supplies distributed to the needy. The Spanish authorities stated that no difficulties would be placed in the way of the disposal of the supplies which would be directed to an American for relief use.
Jan. 6, 1898-In interviews this week, the county officers and business men of Forsyth estimated an increase in business for the past year of 1897 of the following percentages:J. M. Haworth, General Merchandise 10%
Parrish and Tollerton 10%
Hart & Company, Grocers 30%
B. B. Price, Drugs 45%
Taney County Bank 42%
J. C. Johnson, Circuit Clerk 10%
J. W. Hughes, County Clerk 10%
Groom and McConkey 50%
T. J. VanZandt, Barber 18%
F. V. Baldwin, Drugs 50%
Taney City is now fortunate to have two post offices, one called Taneyville in the North Division, and one recently established at Dickenson's Store named Dickens.
Mr. Frank Owen, merchant at Protem, was a business caller at the county seat since our last issue. He has not been in Forsyth since February 1894, and was impressed with the improvements.
Advertisements
Attorneys-at-Law
C. B. Sharp, Forsyth
George L. Taylor, Forsyth
T. J. DeLaney, Springfield
T. E. Phillips, Forsyth
J. L. Davis, Forsyth
R. C. Ford, Forsyth
Medical
Dr. B. Johnson,Physician and Surgeon
Dr. A. H. Eversole. Dentist, "Gold Crowns, Silver and Platinum. Painless
Extractions."
Educational
Taneyville Normal School, Joe L. Smith, Principal.
Winter term Begins Jan. 30, 1898.
Financial
Taney County Bank, J. K. McHaffie, Pres. S. W. Boswell, Vice-pres., W. M. Wade,
Cashier. Capital Stock, $10,000.
TERRIBLE STORM!
Taney County Visited by Severe Winds! Wonderful Display of Electricity!
Jan. 13, 1898-The terrible storm which visited Taney County blew down fences, houses and trees. The storm was accompanied by severe hail and lightning. At Bradleyville, the most severe damage was done to the home of John Adams. Mr. Adams, his wife and three children live on the Fitch place. The house was lifted from its foundation, carried across the road where it struck a large tree, demolishing both the house and the tree, and severely injuring Mrs. Adams. Other members of the family were not hurt much.
The roof of W. H. Blunk's house was blown off. Eli Swearingen, living just west of Mr. Adams, lost his barn, and M. R. Rankin of Taneyville lost his barn. In all, a hundred miles of fence will have to be rebuilt.
(Later). The wife of John H. Jackson, living on the east side of Beaver Creek, was instantly killed in the storm when their house was blown down.
Jan. 20, 1898-In a letter to the editor, Mr. I. A. Conner of Protem contributes the following article on the Temperance movement in Taney County:
The Temperance movement should be encouraged by all good citizens and every official. In temperance and drunkenness is one of our greatest evils. Be cause of the profit and the tax revenue it gives, whiskey has a deep hold on the country, but the wrong it does cannot be paid for in dollars. The contest is between morality and saloon power. Lawlessness reigns where the saloon has the majority. Whisky is sold in this county under Government license, not under license of Missouri laws. For this violation, the county loses character and health and strength and manly independence. It loses home comfort, your wife's and your children's happiness and, in the end, your own soul. People of Taney County, rise up land start the Temperance ball rolling in every schoolhouse and in every home. Rise up and work for the Right!
(Adv.) "I want all the eggs I can get at 12 1/2 cents a dozen." Uncle Jord.
Jan. 27, 1898-The following visitors are noted in Forsyth: Andrew Brown. Kirbyville; N. Crutchfield of Taneyville; A. C. Kissee, Kissee Mills; W. G. Conner, Conner Bend; W. R. Adams, Goodloe.
FOR SALE-Good farm, 160 acres; 70 acres under fence; 60 acres in cultivation. Abundance of good fruit; good house, barn, granary and smoke house. Two wells of never-failing water. Price, $1,000. For more information, address The Republican.
Feb. 27, 1898-A windmill will be erected over the public well in front of the courthouse. There will be a 7,000 gallon tank of water to be used in case of fire. This is a much needed improvement.
The County Jail has several occupants at the present time.
The Normal School at Bradleyville is doing splendid work under the management of Professors Blair and McCleary. They have large classes in all the common branches including physiology, higher arithmetic and algebra. The students are to give an entertainment Tuesday evening, February 22.
Feb. 24, 1898-Walnut Shade is on a boom. T. H. Hopper and A. L. Weatherman have bought the Weatherman store and are restocking it. C. C. Blansit is feeding a nice bunch of cattle.
Mar. 10, 1898-Kissee Mills Market Report:
Flour, best, 100 lbs wholesale $2.35 retail $2.50
Flour, 2nd-grade 100 lbs. wholesale 1.60 retail $1.80
Bran, ton $12.00
Wheat, No. 2, bushel .75
Cornmeal, bushel .50
(Adv.) PARRISH AND TOLLERTON
Men's jeans pants, 75c pair.
Men's shirts. 35 cents.
Men's plow shoes, $1.00 pair
Nails, 3 cents pound.
Coffee 10 cents pound.
Beans, 3 cents pound.
Granulated sugar, 16 lbs. $1.00
Calico, 5 1/2 cents yard.
Ladies heavy shoes, 50 & 75 cents pair.
Corsets, 20 percent off.
Mar. 24. 1898-Republican Candidates Announce for Primary to be held April 23, 1898:
For Representative: C. H. Groom. Thomas H. Humphreys. G. N. Stacey.
For Sheriff: William H. Hammond. James A. Weatherman, John L. Morrow.
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W. A. Johnson.
For Circuit Clerk: J. C. Johnson.
For County Clerk: J. W. Hughes.
For Prosecuting Attorney: T. E. Phillips.
For Probate Judge: A. L. Weatherman.
For Collector: W. B. Price.
Mar. 31, 1898-Additional Announcements of Candidates:
For Clerk of Circuit Court: Joe L. Smith.
For Prosecuting Attorney: George L. Taylor, Etcyl Blair.
For Presiding Judge of County Court: U. G. Johnson, B. B. Price.
For Eastern Judge: William M. Jackson, Bradleyville.
For Constable of Swan Township: Benjamin F. Stout, Taneyville.
On Saturday, March 19th, a number of the old soldiers met at the office of the county newspaper to organize a post of the G.A.R. The first meeting will be held at Forsyth on April 30th. Membership fees are 25 cents each. Officers elected for one year are: S. W. Linzy, president; T. E. Phillips, secretary; W. R. Putnam, treasurer; W. B. Hicks, vice-president; J. H. Nagle, color-bearer; and W. C. Kenyon, drum major.
(Items from the Douglas County Herald, courtesy Mr. J. E. Curry; from The Republican, courtesy Mr. W. E. Freeland.)
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